The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer vision.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Hires
This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to keep observing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.
David
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and hope your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official debut schedule or consoles, but fans can look forward to more updates as development continues.
